T-Paw Gets His Claws Out

Who knew that NY-23, not IA, would kick off WH '12?

-- For those keeping score, three GOPers who are eyeing '12 (Palin, Santorum, and now Pawlenty) have backed conservative Hoffman over moderate GOPer Scozzafava. Gingrich continues to defend his support for Dede, while Romney and Huckabee, two of the most active in support of GOP cands this year, are sitting this one out.

-- Pawlenty, however, is the most interesting entrant so far. Relatively unknown to the base, he needs to assure them he'll be a team player. As such, it was no surprise he gave the conservative RedState blog the exclusive on his endorsement. But aligning himself w/folks like Palin and Santorum can also threaten to undermine his appeal to indie voters. Was this a risk for Pawlenty?

-- Getting involved in a primary is inside baseball stuff that folks outside the base and Beltway aren't watching closely. This isn't like Facebooking about "death panels." Plus, Pawlenty's support of Hoffman comes at a time when it's clear that Scozzafava has almost no chance to win. If she loses, it certainly can't be pinned on him. And, if Hoffman wins, Pawlenty gets to brag about helping prevent a Dem from winning. That looks like a win-win to us.